The next morning, as usual, He Kui got up early and reviewed the data on the virtual screen.
[Su Lei's Favorability: 173]
[Shi He Hanivers' Favorability: 187]
[Joint Favorability Bonus: +3 and +2]
[Z Gundam Research Progress: 15,560/50,000]
[Research: Cell-Level Repair Nanobots (24,473/50,000)]
[Research: Field Modulation (17,321/20,000)]
[Research: Intermediate Quantum Communication (9,765/30,000)]
Progress was being made, though at a slow pace. Field modulation was gradually being expanded for military use. Although he theoretically held a patent on this technology, it would only generate profit if released to the civilian market—a lengthy process to implement.
As He Kui and Shi He boarded the shuttle back to May City, he reflected on the arrival of the etching machine, which he needed to modify for nanometer-scale component fabrication, essential to his nanobot research.
"He Kui, Shi He, you're finally here!" greeted Hoss, ushering them into the lab.
Unlike last time, the lab now had three iron doors, and two levels of biometric verification. In this age of rampant computer viruses, human verification was sometimes more reliable than machines.
The guards saluted as the trio entered the lab. The once-empty room was now filled with various processing equipment, advanced servers, and computing devices. At the center were three massive machines, each about twice the height of an average person.
These were the etching machines, equipped with metallic frames and reaction chambers for processing. Three thick pipes connected the machines to the ceiling, designed to handle the toxic gases emitted during etching. At the front was a control panel, where the operators would manage the system.
"Once the modifications are done, these etching machines should be usable for projects of at least upper A-level caliber, right?" Hoss asked, eyeing the machines.
"Yes."
"How are you planning to handle this? With the current production rate, you're barely managing ten nanobots per day, which is far from what you need," Hoss continued, concerned.
"These are just prototypes," He Kui replied, shaking his head. If he could enhance the nanobots' capabilities, production could be sped up. At this stage, they still weren't ready for actual deployment, and significant adjustments were needed for compatibility.
"Alright," Hoss nodded.
The three began working on the modifications. Even with Shi He assisting, progress was slow; half a day only yielded a third of one machine's components.
"It's been a tough few days for you, Shi He," He Kui turned to her, handing over the necessary upgrades and design plans. Although her pace was slower, her skill level allowed her to handle the work.
"Don't worry about it," Shi He responded eagerly.
Seeing her enthusiasm reminded He Kui of the days when she'd been engrossed in beam miniaturization research. She was meant to be exploring freely, and he encouraged her, saying, "Don't forget to come home tonight."
"Got it!" Shi He replied cheerfully.
Just as Hoss was about to tease the two, He Kui's wrist communicator buzzed with an incoming message. It was from his radar relay—an incoming message from the South American Aegis.
[Have you seen the PLANT special on South America?]
Intrigued, He Kui went upstairs to find a computer and quickly understood the South American president's meaning. The first part of the report, hosted by Leroux, professionally depicted South America's struggles. But the problem lay in the closing narration:
> "After a prolonged, brutal struggle, the warriors of the United Republic of South America, driven by a deep love for their country, fought with unbreakable resolve. Each charge carried an air of heroism and finality, betting their lives on each assault. In the end, through sheer grit and bloodshed, they reclaimed their homeland."
> "The Atlantic Federation, after relentless assaults on the United Republic of South America, has shown signs of weariness. Once fierce as a tiger descending the mountain, they now resemble a toothless old beast, their might and edge lost. Faced with the resilient South American fighters and PLANT's unwavering support, the Atlantic Federation seems destined to falter—a shift that signals South America's rebirth through its people's valor."
While the narration seemed supportive, it would likely incite further aggression from the Atlantic Federation. This report, once spread on Earth, would intensify pressures on South America, and the Federation's radical factions would push for a more aggressive approach.
PLANT, through Leroux's report, was likely provoking this response, as it would drag the Atlantic Federation deeper into a South American conflict, enabling PLANT to focus on the Moon and the Federation's overseas bases.
In doing so, South America's president found himself blindsided by PLANT's maneuvering.
PLANT wouldn't abandon South America entirely, but it was clear they had their own agenda, using the situation to pull the Federation's attention away.
[I saw it.]
[We depart tomorrow; additional payment of fifty million.]
[Understood.]
Meanwhile, near Alaska, outside the Atlantic Federation's base, the Zala team and Sarah team were lying in wait.
"What's with those three units!?" Yzak frowned at the screen, noting the three distinctly designed mobile suits blocking their advance.
As the operation's surprise attack force, the teams had nearly taken Alaska's hastily rebuilt base—until these three units arrived. Each one was comparable to Justice and Freedom, and without Nicol and Dearka's timely backup, they would have been overwhelmed.
"Our intelligence indicates their codenames: Forbidden, Calamity, and Raider," Andrew said with grave emphasis.
"Should we retreat?" Athrun asked cautiously.
"No, ZAFT wants us to keep pushing. They'll try to hold back the Federation's forces in South America. Besides, if these three units relocate to Orb, that would be our opportunity."
Acting as commander, Andrew delivered his instructions with a solemn nod.
"Understood!" The teams saluted in unison, although Athrun seemed distracted, wondering if Kira might still be in Orb.
When the briefing ended, Athrun approached Andrew. "Commander Andrew, a moment?"
"What's on your mind, Athrun?" Andrew, now relaxed, asked.
"Will we be assisting Orb?" Athrun hesitated, looking for clarity.
"Carpentaria might send a team of GINNs to sabotage Orb's mass driver," Andrew admitted, not holding back information Athrun was bound to learn anyway. "But nothing is confirmed. Just be ready to deploy. The Eurasian Federation may not play nice either."
The Eurasian Federation, despite being temporarily swayed by some covert PLANT diplomacy, could still be playing for their own gains.
After all, who knew the extent of Blue Cosmos' influence within the Eurasian ranks?